In the boundless depths of space, fragmented starlight drifted slowly, like broken jade scattered through the darkness.
The people from the Fire God Hall walked at the front. Their crimson-gold robes gave off a faint, warm glow in the lightless void, and their steady steps crushed the fine dust floating around them.
He spoke at an even pace, every word reaching the ears of those behind him with perfect clarity.
"The Returning Ruins are boundless, with no fixed borders between heaven and earth. The void paths beneath our feet were opened and stabilized bit by bit."
He turned his head, sweeping his gaze across the dozen or so people traveling with him, his expression solemn.
"Everyone must stay close behind me. No one is permitted to leave the group without authorization. Once we reach the border garrison ahead, each of you will be issued an exclusive realm map."
"That map is no ordinary paper and ink. It is a magical artifact refined over a hundred years. It can be stored within your sea of consciousness and viewed at will. It clearly marks every explored route, station, and region, and divides them into three safety levels. Red zones must never be entered. Yellow zones require companions. Blue zones are relatively safe."
Everyone nodded, their expressions unconsciously tightening.
After entering the Returning Ruins, the oppressive feeling around them was far heavier than that of any secret realm outside. Invisible shackles constantly wound around their bodies, leaving no one daring to relax in the slightest.
Someone had wanted to ask more about the realm map's uses, but their gaze inadvertently passed beyond the crimson-gold-robed cultivator leading the way, and their words suddenly caught in their throat.
The entire dim void abruptly grew darker.
It was not that the starlight had vanished. Rather, some